Animals

Ondatra zibethicus
Family: Circetidae

Muskrat

The muskrat is a relative of the otter and beaver, and behaves in much the same way. These mostly aquatic rodents are most active at night, especially in the late evening and early morning hours.

Recorded activity in the James River Park

Anecdotal information, sightings, and the occasional road kill tell us that this semi-aquatic rodent is a common player in the James River Park. But videos from only one site captured this rat-like creature over four days in late August, early September.